This is a yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant called "Gyukaku" near Aoba Johsai.
"Gyukaku" has locations all across Japan, with over 620 known branches, making it the largest yakiniku chain in the country. They offer over a hundred kinds of ingredients at relatively affordable prices, so students from Aoba Johsai usually choose this place for gatherings.
Tonight, after Coach Iribata and Manager Gouguchi finalized the starting lineup, the volleyball team members gathered here to socialize a bit and relax their minds.
"Let's confirm the starting lineup: Setter—Toru Oikawa; Outside hitters—Iwaizumi Hajime, Hanamaki Takahiro, Kunimi Akira; Middle blockers—Matsukawa Issei, Kaedehara Taichi; Libero—Watari Shinji. That's all."
With the announcement of the starters, the internal team selections at Aoba Johsai volleyball club came to an end.
Two freshmen were chosen; the only one remaining was Kanedaichi Yutaro. Among the sophomores, only Watari Shinji made it, and the rest had another uneventful year. Meanwhile, the soon-to-graduate seniors, those not selected, felt a mix of frustration and dissatisfaction.
"Waiter, another drink, please," called out senior Tamiya Toshiki, raising his hand.
"That's juice, not sake, Toshiki. You won't get drunk," Oikawa teased, sidling over with a smirk.
Iwaizumi immediately kicked Oikawa in the rear. "Dummy, under 20 means no alcohol. Don't encourage them."
Tamiya shot a glare at Oikawa. "You're such an idiot. We're really disappointed in you."
Oikawa smiled, knowing some things can only be said in settings like this.
Tamiya and Oikawa are both third-years from Class 5, joined the team as freshmen, and generally have a good relationship. But over these three years, Tamiya hadn't played a single official match. Players like him are not uncommon at Aoba Johsai.
"You're really the worst, you know? Good at volleyball, decent grades, handsome, and every game you have girls watching you. Damn it…" Tamiya's voice grew louder with emotion. "Are you a genius?"
Oikawa nodded eagerly, hoping for more praise.
But when he heard the word "genius," Oikawa froze. Is that really how others see him?
"But Shiratorizawa—"
"So," Tamiya cut him off, voice shaking with emotion, "In your last year, you have to beat Shiratorizawa, Oikawa! You have to show all of Japan that Aoba Johsai exists!"
Oikawa was stunned. He suddenly remembered when he and Iwaizumi joined the volleyball club as freshmen. The coach asked about their goal, and both answered in unison, "To make it to nationals," loudly and clearly.
But now as third-years, Aoba Johsai had always fallen short against Shiratorizawa. They barely dared shout that goal anymore.
Does he want to beat Shiratorizawa? Of course he does. His fighting spirit to go to nationals had never died.
Yet at some point, Oikawa found it hard to imagine himself leading Aoba Johsai to victory over Shiratorizawa.
Ding — The system's voice suddenly sounded.
Mission triggered: The Ace's Determination.
When Aoba Johsai's ace, Toru Oikawa's determination wavers, the host makes their ace declaration to stabilize the situation. Reward: Unknown.
"Huh?"
Kaedehara Taichi almost spat out his soda. He was just confirmed as a starter, and now he was supposed to make an ace declaration in this setting? He was just an ordinary bystander, but the system kept pushing him to stir things up!
"Mission fails in three seconds: Three, two—" The system's voice was emotionless.
What? That fast?
Kaedehara hurriedly stood up, accidentally spilling his soda. The previously calm atmosphere stirred a little, and curious eyes turned toward him.
"I will become Aoba Johsai's ace," Kaedehara said, voice low.
"???"
"What did Taichi say?"
"I didn't hear it clearly…"
"I will become Aoba Johsai's ace and lead everyone to defeat Shiratorizawa and advance to nationals!" Kaedehara didn't hear the success notification from the system, so he shouted it again, his voice cracking slightly.
"Hahaha…" The second- and third-year seniors burst out laughing.
"Taichi, what are you doing?" The first-years thought he was drunk, even checking the spilled soda.
Oikawa looked at Kaedehara and saw some embarrassment in his eyes, but… determination too!
Kanedaichi, sitting next to Kaedehara, tugged his shirt hard. "Sit down already…"
Kunimi covered his face with his hand, wondering why he ended up next to this guy.
After the commotion, Oikawa relaxed. Iwaizumi lightly patted his back, and he nodded. Then he said to Tamiya, "Don't worry. This year, I will definitely lead everyone to nationals."
"Yeah, I believe in you."
After the team had eaten and drunk their fill, the starting 12 stayed behind at Iwaizumi's signal.
Oikawa glanced at Hanamaki, teasing, "Takahiro, this is your last year at Aoba Johsai, don't embarrass yourself."
Hanamaki replied calmly, "Don't worry, I don't want to graduate with regrets."
"Matsukawa—"
"Yeah, I know."
Oikawa hadn't finished speaking before Matsukawa cut in.
"O-watari, the lifeline of our defense is in your hands," Oikawa called out to Watari Shinji in the quietest corner.
"Yes, Oikawa-senpai."
"And you, Kunimi, don't be nervous. You're capable. Just show it."
"Yes."
Finally, Oikawa looked at the substitutes—Tamiya, Yagami Hide, and others—and bowed deeply.
"You on the bench are our strongest backup. When the starters falter, we count on you to step in. Even if you don't get much court time normally, thank you for your trust. We will bring victory back."
Kanedaichi was flustered and shouted, "Yes, Oikawa-senpai! I'll do my best!"
The others glanced at each other and chuckled, "What's this? Not like you at all."
Kaedehara stood silently, watching it all. As a member of the Aoba Johsai team, he clearly felt his teammates' deep trust in Oikawa. This trust was even firmer than Oikawa's own expectations of himself.
As setter, Oikawa not only led the team's offensive rhythm with his skill but also united the team's strength through his resilience and belief. This trust, and the feeling of being trusted, was the driving force pushing Aoba Johsai forward, always breaking their limits.
But… why did the conversation just skip over him? What's going on?
Kaedehara couldn't help but look at Oikawa. "Um, Oikawa-senpai, is there something you haven't told me?"
"Hmph? Didn't your goal always revolve around being Iwaizumi's ace? What else could I say to you?" Oikawa looked away.